Bomber_12th
SOH-CM-2025
"The Millie G" was the personal mount of Maj. Edward Giller, of the 343rd FS, 55th FG, with the aircraft being named after Giller's wife, Mildred Giller. In all, Giller flew four different P-51D's, all named "The Millie G", but his first, 44-14985, is the most well-known/most-seen of them all (Giller had also previously flown four different P-38's, which were also named "The Millie G").
Giller was in fact directly responsible for the unique RAF dark green 'half & half' paint scheme design on 343rd FS Mustangs. During late 1944, there was a long period of bad flying weather that led to a great deal of boredome amongst the 55th. During this time, Giller proposed that his squadron's Mustangs should be painted in a unique new way, and in consulting with other pilots, and especially a young Walt Disney artist by the name of Sgt. Martin (who worked in the unit's intelligence department), the final scheme was laid out. Without consulting the group commander, or others, Giller ordered the crew chiefs to paint all of the 343rd FS Mustangs. The group commander liked the concept. However, Wing Commander Brig. Gen. Murray Woodbury, who upon seeing the newly-painted Mustangs some weeks later, questioned the decision. Although he did not order the Mustangs, which had already been painted, to be stripped of the new paint, he did order that no more Mustangs within the unit be painted as such. After that, every new Mustang that was received, no longer would sport the destinctive scheme.
Giller was in fact directly responsible for the unique RAF dark green 'half & half' paint scheme design on 343rd FS Mustangs. During late 1944, there was a long period of bad flying weather that led to a great deal of boredome amongst the 55th. During this time, Giller proposed that his squadron's Mustangs should be painted in a unique new way, and in consulting with other pilots, and especially a young Walt Disney artist by the name of Sgt. Martin (who worked in the unit's intelligence department), the final scheme was laid out. Without consulting the group commander, or others, Giller ordered the crew chiefs to paint all of the 343rd FS Mustangs. The group commander liked the concept. However, Wing Commander Brig. Gen. Murray Woodbury, who upon seeing the newly-painted Mustangs some weeks later, questioned the decision. Although he did not order the Mustangs, which had already been painted, to be stripped of the new paint, he did order that no more Mustangs within the unit be painted as such. After that, every new Mustang that was received, no longer would sport the destinctive scheme.
:salute:
